Deputy Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Lead strategic initiatives and academic operations for Australia’s oldest and most comprehensive humanities and social sciences faculty.
Best for:Best for experienced senior academics with a PhD in humanities, arts, or social sciences, strong leadership in higher education, and a commitment to equity, diversity, and interdisciplinary research collaboration.
Overview
The University of Sydney’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) seeks a Deputy Dean to support the Dean in advancing the faculty’s strategic vision, fostering interdisciplinary research, and strengthening partnerships with industry, government, and community. This five-year fixed-term role requires a senior academic with expertise in leadership, equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as a proven track record in research excellence and operational management. The successful candidate will guide priority initiatives, enhance workforce development, and ensure the safety and well-being of staff and students within a globally recognized faculty. The position also includes a concurrent professorial appointment in an appropriate discipline.
What you'll do
- Provide academic leadership and strategic guidance to disciplines and schools within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, ensuring alignment with the University’s 2032 strategic vision and FASS’s own strategic plan.
- Deputise for the Dean as required, managing day-to-day operations, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement both internally and externally.
- Lead the implementation of key initiatives, including enhancing external engagement with industry, community, and government, and fostering anchoring partnerships.
- Oversee the development of leadership capabilities within FASS and ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all staff and students.
- Contribute to strategic workforce planning and management, focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion to build a future-focused academic community.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary research centres (e.g., Centre for AI, Trust and Governance; Contemporary Inequalities Centre) to advance research excellence and policy impact.
- Represent the Faculty in high-level discussions and partnerships, ensuring alignment with the University’s broader goals and external stakeholders.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in a relevant discipline within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (e.g., Humanities, Arts, or Social Sciences) with demonstrated research excellence and scholarship.
Language: English; proficiency at a level consistent with academic leadership roles (no specific test mentioned).
Instruction: English
- Proven experience leading academic units, including financial and operational management, and strategic planning and delivery.
- Deep understanding of workforce planning, research, education, and engagement in academic environments.
- Strong track record in higher education policy, strategic initiatives, and project management.
- Expertise in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles and practices within academia.
- Experience in managing multidisciplinary research centres or large-scale research initiatives.
- Ability to foster partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations.
- Open to international applicants; visa sponsorship and relocation assistance provided if required.
- No explicit age or residency restrictions mentioned beyond standard university employment policies.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-01
Applicants must submit a CV and a cover letter outlining how their skills, capabilities, and experience meet the role requirements. Applications are to be submitted via the University’s online portal. For further details, refer to the candidate information brochure and position description provided on the University’s website. Employees or contingent workers should apply through their Workday account.
- CV
- Cover letter detailing how skills and experience align with the role
- Candidate information brochure/position description (referenced but not mandatory)
Contact
Jackie Besley· Consultant (Devereaux Consulting)
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